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Common skin conditions in children and babies
Whether it’s a worrying rash, or baby eczema that’s causing sleepless nights, or a more complex condition such as alopecia areata, it can be upsetting for both you and your child if they have a hair or skin condition. We have a team of leading specialists who are here to help, including Consultant Dermatologists, paediatricians, allergy specialists and a dedicated Consultant Endocrinologist.
Here we discuss some common dermatology issues that may be affecting your child and the treatments we can provide, to make sure they are comfortable, safe and healthy.
Common skin conditions in babies
Many skin conditions among newborns and babies are nothing to worry about and slowly disappear on their own. But, if a rash looks red and angry, or your baby seems unwell or develops a temperature, our specialists can examine your baby and recommend any necessary treatment.
All our GPs and Consultant Paediatricians are highly experienced in treating babies and toddlers, while Dr Nicola Clayton and Dr Jason Thomson are Consultant Dermatologists who specialise in paediatric skin disorders.
Common skin conditions among young babies include the following:
Cradle Cap: Mottling and redness of the scalp is common in newborn infants as is a build-up of dry skin flakes while their skin and hair follicles adapt. In some cases, a thick circle of yellow, waxy crusts builds up, which is known as cradle cap.
The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown, but it is thought to result from an over-reaction to the presence of a normal skin yeast. It is also known as seborrheic dermatitis, and can also affect the face, neck, behind the ears and the nappy area, which starts to look red and inflamed.
If you are worried about the appearance of cradle cap, or if a patch seems infected, our specialists can advise on any necessary treatment
Nappy Rash: Severe nappy rash is now less common thanks to modern nappies that lock moisture away from your baby’s delicate skin. If your baby does develop a rash in the nappy area, our doctors can advise on the best way to treat it. Sometimes using a barrier cream solves the problem, but in some cases an anti-fungal cream or other treatment is needed.
Infantile Acne: Some babies and infants develop infantile acne during the first few years of life as a result of changing hormone levels. Typically, they may develop whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. We can advise on how best to cleanse your child’s skin, and whether or not a specific acne treatment is needed until symptoms settle down.
Common skin conditions in children
Although many children’s skin conditions are minor and treatable, it’s important to understand the cause of a change in your child's skin. We can provide expert diagnosis, investigate any triggers, and advise you on whether treatment is necessary.
Impetigo: This highly contagious bacterial infection produces patches of blisters that develop a characteristic golden-yellow crust. Impetigo is often seen around the mouth and nose but can occur anywhere. If you think your child has impetigo, it’s important to see a doctor as quickly as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. Treatment is usually an antibiotic cream, or if your child seems unwell or has a temperature, then oral antibiotics may be prescribed instead.
Eczema: This is a common and distressing problem in infants and children of all ages. Mild symptoms may include dry, scaly skin, redness or itching, while in more severe cases blisters or even weeping sores may develop. These skin changes most commonly appear on the face, neck, hands, inside the elbows or behind the knees, but can occur anywhere on the body.
Eczema is particularly difficult for both children and parents when the itching and scratching interfere with sleep, or when clothes rub to cause discomfort. Worsening eczema sometimes leads to secondary bacterial infections that also need treatment. Our specialists, including Consultant Dermatologists Dr Nicola Clayton and Dr Jason Thomson, can advise on the best treatment to help quickly soothe your child’s skin and prevent future flare ups.
Sometimes, infantile eczema is due to an allergy, such as to cows' milk, and our Consultant Paediatrician and allergy specialist, Dr Sophie Flammarion, is also on hand to help diagnose any underlying allergies. Once these are identified and avoided, eczema can often show a dramatic improvement.
Psoriasis: This sometimes develops in children, often after a throat infection and can even lead to joint pain and swelling. Symptoms include a rash of small red, scaly patches that can itch or feel uncomfortable. If you think your child may have psoriasis it’s important to see a specialist, as this chronic condition is caused by an overactive immune system. They can provide a prompt diagnosis and treatment and monitor your child’s general health as they develop.
Children’s and Teenage Acne: While acne is most common during adolescence, it can affect children of all ages. It usually appears on the face, chest and back and can appear as anything from small pimples or blackheads to a severe outbreak, and it may even cause scarring.
Severe acne affects about 15% of children, and there is a lot we can do to help, including bespoke skincare regimes, topical medication and advanced treatments if needed.
Visiting Our Clinic
Our expert clinicians have extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of paediatric skin conditions. We can carry out a full assessment of your child’s skin, and if necessary, create a personalised treatment plan, specific to their unique needs. To find out more, please phone 020 7244 4200, or make an appointment online.
